Taiwan celebrates National Grandparents Day

2012/08/26 20:38:33

Taipei, Aug. 26 (CNA) Groups of young people offered to help the elderly carry their bags at Taipei Railway Station Sunday, just one of many activities carried out across the country Sunday to celebrate National Grandparents Day.

The grandparents day, initiated in Taiwan by former Education Minister Wu Ching-ji in 2010, is observed on the last Sunday of August in the hope that grandchildren can spend some quality time with their grandparents before schools reopen in September after the summer break.

"Temporary grandchildren" events were carried out at 19 participating train stations around the country. Each station had 10-50 young helpers who volunteered to help carry bags for senior citizens.

The Ministry of Education also held a carnival in the square in front of the Taoyuan County government building to celebrate the special day.

In addition, discounts of 40 percent or more were offered at 108 participating stores nationwide to grandparents who were accompanied by their grandchildren at the stores.